Passion to Serve Him
Bible Readings
- 2 Corinthians 11:22–31 - Are they Hebrews? so am I. Are they Israelites? so am I. Are they the seed of Abraham? so am I. Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft. Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness. Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches. Who is weak, and I am not weak? who is offended, and I burn not? If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things which concern mine infirmities. The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which is blessed for evermore, knoweth that I lie not.
- Acts 9:6 - And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.
- Philippians 3:4–9 - Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more: Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee; Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless. But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:
Are you serving the Lord with the gifts God has given you?
In today's text, it is remarkable how Paul describes his sufferings. He faced great difficulties because of his faith, but he did not complain or seek pity. If that was the price of serving Christ wholeheartedly, Paul was ready to pay it.
This devotion of the apostle teaches us important lessons for our journey of faith.
Firstly, we serve not according to our own will, but according to God's will. On the road to Damascus, Jesus said to Paul:
Service must be done under God's guidance and in His timing. Being ready to do whatever He desires requires courage. Instead of setting boundaries on our obedience, we are called to surrender to the Lord with all our heart and courage.
Secondly, we serve not because of our talents, but because of the gifts God has given. A spiritual gift is a special endowment that God gives us to serve where He has called us. Talents can be useful, but it is God's gifts that truly equip us. It was not Paul's natural abilities that made him a powerful preacher. On the contrary, he considered his abilities and past worthless compared to knowing and serving Christ.
Sometimes, even when we serve according to our gifts, service can seem difficult and tiring. But overall, it will be filled with joy and satisfaction. For the service we perform in response to God's call is not in vain.
🤔 Reflection
Ask yourself this question today: Are you serving the Lord with the gifts God has given you?
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